The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) [4K UHD review]

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) is a cornerstone of American horror movies. Directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Hooper and Kim Henkel, this film has earned a reputation for its raw and visceral style, making it one of the most influential horror movies of all time. This essay aims to discuss the film’s contribution to American horror movies and what it means as a movie.

If you never heard of the film before, here’s a brief bit of background

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a film that explores the horror of a seemingly normal family who kidnaps and kills unsuspecting travelers. It is based on the true story of serial killer Ed Gein and his atrocities in the 1950s. The film’s title and iconic villain, Leatherface, became synonymous with brutality and gore.

One of the key contributions of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to American horror movies is its unflinching depiction of violence. The film is infamous for its graphic scenes of murder and torture. Unlike other horror movies that rely on special effects and jump scares, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s horror comes from its realism. The film’s use of handheld cameras, natural lighting, and non-professional actors adds to its documentary-like feel. The audience is forced to confront the atrocities on-screen, which is both terrifying and disturbing.

70s Commentary for the Drive-in Circuit

Moreover, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a commentary on the state of American society in the 1970s. The film was released during a time of political and social unrest, and it reflects the disillusionment and anxiety of the era. The film’s portrayal of a dysfunctional family and the violence they inflict on outsiders is a metaphor for the breakdown of the American family and the loss of the American dream. The film also comments on the changing role of women in society. The female protagonist, Sally, is subjected to unspeakable torture and violence, highlighting the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society.

In terms of its legacy, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has had a significant impact on American horror movies. It inspired a new wave of horror films that emphasized realism and violence over supernatural elements. The film’s influence can be seen in modern horror movies such as Saw (2004) and Hostel (2005), which also focus on graphic violence and torture. The film’s success also paved the way for a sequel and a remake, which introduced the character of Leatherface to a new generation of horror fans.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a groundbreaking film that has contributed significantly to American horror movies. Its raw and unflinching depiction of violence, coupled with its commentary on the state of American society in the 1970s, has made it a classic of the horror genre. The film’s influence can still be seen in modern horror movies, making it a testament to its enduring legacy. While not for the faint of heart, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a must-see for any fan of horror movies.

TCM’s horror impact

Furthermore, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s impact on the horror genre goes beyond just its depiction of violence and social commentary. It also pushed the boundaries of independent filmmaking. The film was made on a shoestring budget, with much of the funding coming from private investors. The filmmakers used practical effects and limited resources to create the film’s gruesome imagery, which adds to its realism.

The film’s success also paved the way for other independent filmmakers to make their mark on the horror genre. It showed that a low-budget film could still have a significant impact on audiences and pave the way for a successful career in filmmaking.

Another aspect of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre that deserves attention is its use of sound. The film’s score is minimal, with much of the soundtrack consisting of ambient noise and the sound of Leatherface’s chainsaw. The sound design adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of dread and impending doom. The lack of music also adds to the film’s realism, as it mimics the lack of a traditional film score in a documentary.

Where does The Texas Chain Saw Massacre rank in film history?

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s impact on American horror movies extends beyond just the film itself. It sparked a cultural phenomenon that included merchandise, spin-offs, and even a theme park attraction. The film’s legacy has become a part of American pop culture, with its influence seen in everything from music to fashion.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a film that deserves its place in the pantheon of American horror movies. Its unflinching depiction of violence, social commentary, and impact on independent filmmaking have made it a classic of the genre. The film’s legacy continues to be felt in modern horror movies, as well as American culture as a whole. Its influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.

How does the Dark Sky 4K UHD differ from other Texas Chain Saw Massacre releases?

The Dark Sky 4K UHD release for Texas Chain Saw Massacre is pretty stacked. You get the main 4K UHD disc with the Hooper commentaries. Plus, you get the classic commentary with the cinematographer and sound team. The big win is on the second disc with the brand new movie length Legacy of the TCM documentary.

You also get a bonus Cinefamily documentary where William Friedkin and Tobe Hooper talk about the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. What’s left are a variety of featurettes, trailers, promo material and short docs collected over the years about the movie. Honestly, it’s pretty fun.

I have the German 4K UHD of Texas Chain Saw Massacre and I’ll always prefer this disc for one reason. When you forget to reset the language track, the title narrator screams at you in German across multi-channel audio. I couldn’t imagine the same thing happening on this release’s stellar Atmos track. While I watch Dolby Vision on my monitors, I prefer having this release for HDR 10 running into my projector.

If you’re a home theater snob, you’ll tell the difference. But, honestly this is one of the best looking Horror 4Ks of 2023 so far.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is now available on standard 4K UHD and Steelbook format